Private International Law

Syllabus

Students must complete four taught courses, a Research Methods course and a dissertation. At least three courses must be taken from the list below. The fourth course can be taken from a different LLM Programme. The dissertation shall be written on a Private International Law topic.

• Private International Law Concepts and Institutions - Compulsory Course
• Private International Law of Business Transactions - Jurisdiction
• Comparative and International Insolvency Law
• Private International Law of Family Law
• Choice of Law in Business Transactions

The compulsory course, Private International Law Concepts and Institutions, will provide the core elements on which students can build up their knowledge. Further courses will introduce students to topical issues of practical relevance. While most will focus on aspects pertinent to civil and commercial operations one course will also be offered in the field of international family law. The intention is that by the end of the programme students will have developed a methodology, which will enable them to analyse confidently any problems arising in international transactions and private issues with an international element. Students are also expected to gain expertise on Private International Law in the European Union with an understanding of global harmonisation processes through the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

Assessment

Assessment is based on a combination of coursework submitted during the semester and a written examination at the end of the relevant semester. In addition, students must complete a course in research methods and a dissertation on a topic within the specialism. Guidance on the writing of a dissertation is given.

Teaching

Teaching is organised on a modular basis. There are two twelve-week semesters, the first beginning at the end of September, the second at the end of January. Students can join either in September or January. Examinations are held at the end of each semester, in January and May. Courses are offered subject to the availability of staff, sufficient enrolment and to sabbatical arrangements.

Duration

12 months, full-time.